Educators, students and city officials came out Tuesday morning to celebrate a new milestone in the construction of the new building for the Carter School for students with special education needs in the South End.

“This is a building that our Carter students, staff and family have long deserved,” said BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper. “And it is an exciting time to think that in a year from now, they’ll be able to return to this as a new building.”

The city and Carter School community held a groundbreaking for the $111 million redesign project in June 2022. The school building is scheduled to reopen for the 2025-26 school year.

The Carter School has long existed on the same South End site, serving students ages 12-22 with disabilities and complex learning needs.

During Tuesday’s ceremony, students and others clapped as the decorated ceremonial beam topped with a small evergreen was sent up to its spot on the building.

The redesign will allow the school to increase classrooms from 5 to 12 and students from 25 to 60, and incorporate new early education programs.

The project also includes a number of new facilities, including a therapeutic pool, rooftop outdoor classroom, sensory garden and literacy commons.

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The new school will be built to be a zero net energy building, incorporating a green and energy efficient design.

“This new facility will provide the Carter School community with the learning spaces needed for some of our students with the greatest needs,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Together we’re ensuring every BPS student has the opportunities they need to thrive.”